FAMILY WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL

Remember Me Lord!

5-day Bible Reading Plan and devotional Guide

Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes from the transcription:

Day 1: Building Memorials Before God
Reading: Genesis 12:7-8, Joshua 4:1-7

Devotional: Just as Abraham built an altar to commemorate God's appearance and promise, and Joshua set up stones to remember God's miraculous intervention, we too are called to create "memorials" in our spiritual lives. These aren't physical structures, but rather consistent practices and attitudes that honor God and remind us of His faithfulness. Reflect on the spiritual disciplines or acts of obedience that you can commit to regularly. How might these serve as lasting reminders of God's work in your life? Consider starting a gratitude journal, establishing a daily prayer time, or committing to regular acts of service. Let these practices become your spiritual memorials, drawing you closer to God and serving as testimonies to others.

Day 2: The Fear of the Lord
Reading: Proverbs 1:7, Psalm 111:10

Devotional: The transcription emphasizes the importance of fearing God as a foundation for spiritual growth. This "fear" isn't about being terrified of God, but rather having a deep reverence and awe for Him. It's about recognizing His holiness and power, and allowing that recognition to shape our choices and actions. How does your understanding of God's character influence your daily decisions? Reflect on areas of your life where you might need to cultivate a greater reverence for God. Remember, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom – it opens the door to true understanding and a deeper relationship with Him.

Day 3: Consistency in Faith
Reading: Colossians 1:21-23, Hebrews 10:35-36

Devotional: The story of Cornelius teaches us the power of consistent faith. For years, he prayed continually and gave generously, even before fully knowing God. This persistence eventually led to a divine visitation. In our own lives, it's easy to grow discouraged when we don't see immediate results from our prayers or spiritual disciplines. But God values our faithfulness over time. What spiritual practices have you started but given up on? Consider recommitting to them today, trusting that God sees and values your consistent efforts. Remember, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope (Romans 5:4).

Day 4: Generosity and Prayer
Reading: Acts 10:1-4, Matthew 6:2-4

Devotional: Cornelius' prayers and alms (acts of charity) ascended as a memorial before God. This reminds us that our spiritual lives shouldn't be compartmentalized – our devotion to God should be reflected in how we treat others and use our resources. How can you combine prayer with practical acts of love and generosity? Consider choosing a cause or individual to both pray for and support tangibly. Remember, true faith is always accompanied by action (James 2:14-17). Let your prayers and your giving work together as a powerful testimony of God's love.

Day 5: God's Impartial Love
Reading: Acts 10:34-35, Galatians 3:28

Devotional: Peter's encounter with Cornelius led to a profound realization: God shows no partiality, but accepts people from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. This challenges us to examine our own biases and prejudices. Are there people or groups you've considered "unclean" or unworthy of God's love? Reflect on how God's impartial love might be calling you to expand your own circle of compassion and ministry. Pray for God to give you His heart for all people, and consider practical ways you can reach out to those different from you with the love of Christ.

Discussion Questions

  • How can we build meaningful 'memorials' before God in our own lives, and what might those look like in practical terms?
  • What does it mean to truly 'fear God' in today's context, and how can we cultivate this attitude in ourselves and our households?
  • How does Cornelius' story challenge our understanding of consistency and perseverance in prayer and good deeds?
  • In what ways might our giving and prayers be coming before God as a 'memorial', and how can we ensure they are genuine and impactful?
  • How does the concept of being 'devout' apply to modern Christian life, and what barriers might prevent us from fully embodying this trait?
  • What can we learn from Cornelius about influencing our households and immediate communities for God?
  • How does the idea of God choosing people based on their heart rather than outward qualifications challenge our perceptions of leadership and calling?
  • In what ways might we be limiting God's work by categorizing people as 'common or unclean', as Peter initially did?
  • How can we balance the importance of prayer with the necessity of accompanying actions or 'raw materials' in our spiritual lives?
  • What does it mean for us to have a good testimony among both believers and non-believers, as Cornelius did, and why is this important?

Helpful Quotes

  • Remember Me, Lord. And it has to do with building memorials before God. And we're going to look through the Bible. And we're going to see how certain men, certain people build memorials before God. That became a reference point for them in time of need and trouble.
  • If it's about you, then you have a problem when people talk. If it's about him, you're never going to have a problem when people talk.
  • Being devout means that you are consistent with what you do. And actually, the Bible teaches a lot about consistency. Perseverance and consistency.
  • The fear of God is not when you walk around and say, I fear you God, I fear God. No, the fear of God is expressed through the way you treat others, through the things you do, through your approach to God's word, your handling of God's word, your handling of God's work, the things that motivate you to do what you do.
  • God doesn't choose anybody. If you want God, God, you see, the good news in the New Testament is that we are all chosen by God. But there are certain unique things that God wants to do on planet Earth. And God needs to entrust it to somebody that he knows.
  • To build a memorial before God, something needs to accompany your prayer.